New Bridges, New Beginnings: A Gold Award Project That Strengthens Community and Mental Health

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey proudly celebrates Samantha Murzenski for earning the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award. Her project, which focused on the connection between nature and mental health, transformed an impassable local walking trail into a safe, accessible space for her community to enjoy year-round.

Recognizing the healing power of the outdoors, Samantha saw a critical need in her town: a local walking trail that became muddy, dangerous, and inaccessible every time it rained. With nature’s positive effects on mental health in mind, she built 314 feet of bridges over the problem areas, allowing residents to enjoy the trail in any season. Her project not only improved access to the trail but also promoted time outdoors as a way to relieve stress and improve well-being.

Beyond the physical transformation of the trail, Samantha launched the Mental Health and Nature Club at a local school to help young people understand how nature can support emotional well-being.

Samantha’s project was inspired by scientific studies and national organizations that promote spending time outdoors for better mental and physical health. Watching her community reconnect with nature during the COVID-19 pandemic strengthened her belief in this mission. Additionally, a family trip to Acadia National Park, where she admired the intricate wooden bridges surrounding its lakes, sparked the idea for her own trail improvements.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, challenging high school Girl Scouts to identify a local or global issue and develop a sustainable solution. Gold Award Girl Scouts dedicate over 80 hours to planning, executing, and ensuring the long-term impact of their projects. Through this process, they become leaders, problem-solvers, and change-makers in their communities.

For Samantha, Girl Scouting has always meant leaving a place better than she found it. Over her 13 years as a Girl Scout, she developed a passion for environmental stewardship and community service, and this project gave her the perfect opportunity to put those values into action.

Samantha’s Gold Award project will have a lasting effect thanks to the support of her town and local organizations:

The town’s Department of Public Works has committed to maintaining the bridges and trail for future generations.
The Mental Health and Nature Club, co-founded with a local teacher, will continue educating students on the benefits of nature for mental well-being.
An educational video about her project is now hosted on the town’s website, making her work accessible to all.

Reflecting on her journey, Samantha expressed gratitude to her volunteers, team members, and community supporters who helped her turn her vision into reality.

Samantha’s project is a shining example of how one Girl Scout can create lasting change in her community. If you are passionate about a cause and want to develop leadership skills while making a meaningful impact, consider earning your Girl Scout Gold Award.

Learn more about the Gold Award and how you can get started today: Highest Awards | Girl Scouts